I think it's about time for Syracuse officials to make a similar move and name Mike Hopkins as Jim Boeheim's successor. It would be smart for two reasons. It would prevent other schools from negatively recruiting against SU as Boeheim nears retirement and it would keep Hopkins on Boeheim's staff.

The worst-case scenario for all involved would be for Hopkins to take a head coaching job at a mid-major and then struggle. Would Syracuse officials hire Hopkins with a 45-48 record after three seasons at, say, Siena? Why risk it? Hire him now.

The last time Syracuse lost a head coach, the obvious successor almost ended up at the University of Rochester.